I didn't lie! [ She calls back with a laugh ] The other meetings were unscheduled. Anyway, I've locked the door now. Unless it's a true emergency they'll come back tomorrow.

[ If/when he emerges, she is seated on the couch by the window rather than at the desk, the near corner of it out of the direct sunlight. She's kicked off her shoes and folded legs on the seat, a report in hand and a stack of others beside her. ]

I had them bring up food if you're hungry [ she adds. It's on the sideboard, a light lunch laid out beneath cloth napkins to keep the flies away. There are jugs of water and lemonade, too, and one pitcher that's just frozen solid, some chunks seemingly chipped away out of the top already. ]